Intraoral device for treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and tmd

Abstract

The invention is a device for removable placement in the mouth, which advances the lower jaw and draws the tongue forward and upward, thereby providing relief for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an upper portion, the upper surface of which is adapted for engagement with the user's upper dentition. A downward extension, suspended from the anterior part of the upper portion, features an anterior surface that engages the back of the lower front teeth, so as to advance the lower jaw forward with respect to the upper jaw. The posterior surface of the downward extension features a rearward extension, which is curved upward at its lateral margins to meet the upper portion, so as to define, with the hard palate of the user, a cavity that is sized and shaped to snugly engage the user's tongue. Within the defined cavity, the device preferably features a soft elastomeric surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to intraoral devices designed to position the tongue and jaw so as to prevent and treat snoring and sleep apnea.St. Matthew's Church Background[0002]Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is intermittent airflow blockage, which occurs when the tongue and other soft tissue move backwards and block the airway during sleep. Numerous such blockages during the night produce intermittent oxygen deprivation, leading to waking and poor quality sleep. An estimated 20 million Americans experience some degree of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is a related and much more common problem, caused by narrowing of the airway to the point that the speed of air across the soft palate causes aeroelastic fluttering, a vibration of the soft tissue that can be loud enough to disturb the sleep of the patient and his or her sleeping partner.[0003]The economic and social costs of OSA and chronic snoring are significant. Potential harmful effects, beyond disrupted sl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The device of the invention does not restrict sleeper movement by connection with an external hose and machine, does not generate noise, and is easily portable. Unlike surgical procedures, the device of the invention is non-invasive and readily reversible, with essentially no risk of pain, speech impairment, or swallowing problems. This device controls the position of the tongue directly, via a passive vacuum, rather than through a large movement of the jaw, and it does not lock the jaws together in a fixed relationship, thereby minimizing the likelihood of TMJ / TMD. The tongue is drawn forward and upward, to a natural position behind the front incisors, which permits the user to swallow without disengaging the tongue from the appliance. Over time, with continued use of the device, the tongue and associated musculature are stimulated and conditioned to assume a more desirable forward and upward position within the mouth.

[0016]Unlike devices that use active mechanical suction to hold the tongue in place, the invention does not create a risk of edema or tissue damage, and it allows sufficient tongue movement to provide a degree of comfort to the user. The user breathes normally through the nose when the device is in place, rather than through the mouth, which lessens the likelihood of the tongue falling back into the throat. Finally, the device of the invention helps to open all three sections—upper, middle, and lower—of the airway.

Problems solved by technology

Numerous such blockages during the night produce intermittent oxygen deprivation, leading to waking and poor quality sleep.

Snoring is a related and much more common problem, caused by narrowing of the airway to the point that the speed of air across the soft palate causes aeroelastic fluttering, a vibration of the soft tissue that can be loud enough to disturb the sleep of the patient and his or her sleeping partner.

The economic and social costs of OSA and chronic snoring are significant.

Potential harmful effects, beyond disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue, include morning headaches, irritability, brain damage, cognitive dysfunction, impotency, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure.

Indirect effects of chronic fatigue include inefficient or poor work, motor vehicle crashes and workplace accidents, which in turn can cause serious injury and death.

The mask can be uncomfortable, it is difficult to maintain a good seal between the mask and the face, and it limits freedom of movement during sleep.

The positive airway pressure can have a negative effect on spontaneous respiration, dry out nasal passages, and cause congestion, headaches, facial distortion, abdominal bleeding, nosebleeds, and chest discomfort.

The noise of the machine can disturb the patient or others in the same room, and the machine itself is expensive and inconvenient to travel with.

In addition to being highly invasive, irreversible, and costly, surgery has a relatively high failure rate.

There is considerable pain and discomfort for the patient, and a long recuperative period.

Undesirable side effects may include speech impairment and difficulties in swallowing.

External devices intended to position the body and / or jaws, such as chin straps, head straps, neck braces, and various pillows have been designed and marketed, with little success.

Pharmaceutical treatments intended to affect the respiratory system, or the relevant musculature, have likewise met with limited success.

TMJ disorder, TMD), and can be uncomfortable to wear, which limits patient compliance.

However, due to their relatively low cost, ease of use, and ready reversibility, jaw-positioning orthotics remain a popular option, and this particular art has been the subject to a great deal of patent activity.

All of the prior art approaches to treating obstructive sleep apnea are of limited effectiveness and / or have distinct disadvantages; this is reflected by the approximately 1,500 U.S. patents and applications filed for methods and devices directed to the relief of OSA and snoring.

Obstructive sleep apnea remains a widespread condition, with serious health consequences and inadequate treatment options.

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